Surfing in Devon —
The Complete Guide

Croyde is Devon's surf heartland — the break that all other Devon surf is measured against. The beach sits in a tightly contained bay between two rocky headlands, and this geometry focuses and shapes the swell in ways that other open beaches can't replicate. On a good day — typically an autumn groundswell from the north-west, offshore wind from the east or south-east, and mid-tide — Croyde produces hollow, powerful beach breaks that rival anything on the English coast.

The peak at the south end of the beach (known as "South Croyde") is the most consistent and often the best-formed. The main beach rips are known quantities — experienced surfers know them well, but they're a real hazard for beginners. Croyde is not a beginners' beach. Even intermediate surfers should be comfortable in powerful waves and confident in reading rips before paddling out here.

The village itself is integral to the experience — The Thatch pub is one of the finest post-surf pubs in England, Braunton (5 miles east) has proper surf shops for gear and rental, and the overall vibe is one of Devon's most surf-saturated communities without tipping into self-parody.

Three miles of west-facing Atlantic sand gives Woolacombe consistent, accessible surf across its entire length. While the waves here are rarely as powerful or hollow as Croyde, they're more forgiving — ideal for beginners learning to stand up on softboards and for intermediates wanting longer rides on a gentler canvas. Multiple surf schools operate from the central beach, making this the most beginner-friendly surf destination in North Devon.

The south end of Woolacombe, toward Putsborough, is usually less crowded and often has better-shaped waves as the beach curves and the swell hits at a different angle. In bigger swells, the central beach can get messy and closing out — the south end maintains quality longer. The village has a good surf shop (Surfbay) for hire and lessons.

Saunton is the longboarder's paradise of North Devon — three miles of consistent, gently sloping beach that produces long, clean, rolling waves ideal for nose-riding and stylish surfing. The waves here are generally smaller than Croyde and less powerful, but they're perfectly formed for cruising: peeling left and right across flat sand in a way that makes every ride satisfying.

In a big swell, Saunton steps up considerably — the south end of the beach can produce excellent waves that hold up well in size. The beach is also famous for its vastness — at low tide, you can walk hundreds of metres from the waterline, and the sand is so flat and firm that the wave energy is cleanly transmitted rather than dumped messily. Saunton is rarely as crowded as Croyde, even in summer.

The southern extension of Woolacombe Bay, separated from the main beach by a rocky point, Putsborough often has better-shaped and less crowded waves than its more famous neighbour. The headland at Baggy Point focuses the swell slightly differently, producing waves that peel better on the south side of the bay than in the centre of Woolacombe. Dogs are welcome year-round here — a rarity for a surf beach of this quality.

Putsborough is a locals' beach — most visitors head to Woolacombe proper, meaning Putsborough is consistently quieter. The access is via a narrow lane and a slightly longer walk to the beach, which helps filter the crowds. A good middle-ground option if Croyde is too intense but you want better waves than the centre of Woolacombe.

Bantham is South Devon's best surf beach — a powerful, consistent break at the mouth of the Avon estuary that comes to life when Atlantic storms push energy around the tip of Devon and into Bigbury Bay. It doesn't get surf as regularly as the North Devon coast, but when it does, it's excellent — punchy beach break with good shape. The beach is also perfect for non-surfers thanks to the warm Avon estuary lagoon (ideal for swimming and paddling) immediately behind the sand bar.

Bantham has a fierce local surf culture — it's a genuinely quality wave when it's on, and the community protects it accordingly. In summer, surf school sessions run from the beach, suitable for beginners on the smaller days. The combination of good surf and the beautiful estuary swimming makes Bantham Devon's most complete beach.

Westward Ho! is not Devon's most glamorous surf destination, but it offers consistent rideable waves in a more sheltered location than the exposed beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe. The beach faces south-west rather than due west, which means it picks up swell from a different angle and can work well when other beaches are too big or have onshore winds. It's also a good alternative when Croyde and Woolacombe car parks are full.

The waves are generally smaller and less powerful than the main North Devon surf beaches, making it suitable for beginners and longboarders. The beach has a surf school (Westward Ho! Surf) and board hire. The town itself has all the facilities of a traditional seaside resort — plenty to do for non-surfers in the family.